Gender Inclusivity in the Spotlight: Decoding Slovenia's ICT Landscape
Digitalisation is making significant strides and is increasingly affecting all segments of society. We can trace its effects in Industry 4.0, manufacturing, health, smart homes, and engagement with the digital society. Even the way we interact with public administration is changing, with more and more services going digital. We also note a sharp increase in the need for ICT professionals, who develop digital technologies and solutions in their field, and in all other sectors that deploy these technologies to increase productivity and maintain a competitive edge.
The digital transformation is a priority for Slovenia. The country has long been investing in public policies that stress the importance of technology and digital literacy for society. Harnessing the possibilities of new technologies requires workers equipped with improved digital skills, that can develop continuously through up- and re-skilling. Inclusive digital skills development is crucial to realising the full potentials of a society gone digital. Identifying essential digital skills and training would help the digital workforce focus on the evolving needs in job profiles and descriptions.
Chessmate: state-of-play with digital experts in Slovenia
And indeed, Slovenia faces a growing shortage of qualified ICT professionals. Eurostat places the country below the EU average and as one of the 4 most disadvantaged countries in recruiting ICT experts. In 2021, digital experts made up just 4.8% of the total workforce in Slovenia. If the country is to meet the needs opened up by digitalisation, this ratio would have to go up to 10% (or 85.000 people). Recruitment also has to rise: Slovenia would need 5.000 fresh recruits in the field of ICT each year. Currently, this figure stands at 2.000 recruits. Same goes for investment. The average company in Slovenia invests between 2 to 4% of its annual revenue in digital development, instead of the needed 6 to 8%.
Given all this, it's no surprise that the need for ICT professionals in Slovenia is jncreasing. The impact of digitalisation will demand further changes in the labour market. We are witnessing a shift from traditional jobs to new digitalised occupations and new business models based on new knowledge of digitalisation. Experts in digital twins, smart manufacturing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, etc. are at the very forefront, and the effects of digitisation will impact the public and private sector alike.
Slovenia on the way to the Digital Decade
Addressing this problem requires well-thought of, targeted actions and clear objectives. Stopping the so-called »brain drain«, which sees Slovenian ICT experts leave the country for better-paying jobs abroad, is key. Attracting digital talents from abroad can help boost the number of IT specialists on home turf.
Slovenia must tackle the problem of shortage of ICT professionals with well-considered and targeted actions. There are few main ways to tackle this problem. The first is stopping the so-called »brain drain« where Slovenian ICT A new curriculum in primary and secondary schools must introduce future digital tools and learning to young people. Kids should receive lessons in programming and robotics through new courses in computing and information science. To attract more students to the ICT domain, contemporary and modern university programmes in digital are equally needed. Universities will also have to increase enrolment in technical faculties. To increase enrolment, educational institutions' financial, professional, and spatial capacities must be considered.
Women in ICT: a key part of the puzzle
A point that is not often mentioned, in tackling the shortage of ICT professionals in Slovenia is challenges faced by women in this field. The stark reality is that only 17% of ICT professionals in Slovenia were women in 2021, highlighting a significant gender disparity. This underrepresentation not only deprives the industry of diverse perspectives but also perpetuates a gender gap in opportunities and innovation. Recognising the importance of female ICT professionals as champions is crucial for inspiring and encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology.
To boost the percentage of female ICT professionals, a multifaceted approach is needed. Initiatives should commence at the grassroots level, promoting STEM education for girls and creating awareness about the exciting prospects within the ICT sector. Mentorship programs, both within educational institutions and professional settings, can provide invaluable guidance and support for women navigating the traditionally male-dominated field. Establishing a network of female role models who have excelled in ICT can help break down stereotypes and demonstrate the diverse paths available within the industry.
Moreover, fostering an inclusive workplace culture that actively supports women in ICT is essential. Companies can implement policies that promote work-life balance, provide equal opportunities for career advancement, and actively address unconscious biases. Recognising and celebrating the achievements of female ICT professionals through media campaigns and industry events can contribute to changing perceptions and attracting more women to the field.
Simultaneously, addressing the broader skills gap in the ICT sector necessitates a focus on upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Providing targeted training programs for current employees, irrespective of gender, ensures that the workforce remains adaptable to technological advancements. Investing in educational resources and professional development opportunities will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to a more resilient and competitive digital workforce in Slovenia. Ultimately, achieving equal representation in ICT is not just a matter of diversity and inclusion, but also a strategic imperative for fostering innovation and driving the country's digital transformation.